Lausanne, Switzerland,
September 11, 2013 – FIVB President, Dr Ary S. Graça F° has congratulated
Thomas Bach after he was elected ninth President of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC) at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Tuesday.

“On behalf of
the extended volleyball family I would like to congratulate Thomas Bach on his
election to this important post,” said Dr. Graça who was in Buenos Aires for the IOC Session. “I know that he will do well
as President as he has all the necessary skills to navigate the IOC to a bigger
and better future.”

“I look
forward to continuing the partnership between the IOC and the FIVB and to
seeing the sport of volleyball flourish in future editions of the Games,” said
the FIVB President.

The FIVB and
the IOC have enjoyed a particularly close partnership since 2010 when the FIVB
increased its efforts in development and innovation following the launch of the
outstandingly successful beach volleyball qualification tournament the
Continental Cup. The tournament culminated in the 2012 Olympic Games where
beach volleyball at Horse Guards Parade – and volleyball at Earls Court - were
both impressively popular. In fact the sport of beach volleyball made headline
news around the world asthe top 10 of the best
Olympic moments on the IOC website.

After taking
office in September 2012, FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° was also appointed
to the IOC’s Sport for All Commission
created by in 1983 in response to the growing public interest in sports
practice, health, fitness and physical activity.